REPORT | 31 January 2026: Owls 1-3 DLHC 1XI

Carolyn thanks Kerry for one of two assists on Saturday. *Photo: Front Row Union*

Senior 2: Owls 1-3 DLHC 1XI
It was a tale of two halves on Saturday for DLHC’s 1XI when they took on Owls at Roughfort when a first half hat-trick put Donaghadee in the driving seat but a spirited second half from Owls made for an action-packed afternoon in dreich conditions.

In a game characterised by clinical attacking in the first half and a super goalkeeping performance in the second, Donaghadee showed plenty of heart and resilience as they secured another valuable 3 points.

From the opening whistle, Donaghadee signalled their intent with a high-pressing game that gave the Owls’ backline little time to breathe. The midfield unit of Helen Herron, Ellen Campbell and Vicky O’Neill led by example with sharp distribution and tireless running in the central channels, consistently feeding wide players Jess Moore and Jordan McWilliams. This positive attacking play ensured there was little time for the Owls defence to rest.

With Owls pushing up to try and squeeze the midfield area, one Donaghadee through ball was partly intercepted by the Owls right back but deflected up and over to an unmarked Carolyn Scott. Picking the ball out of the air, the forward turned and bore down on the Owls keeper, coolly slotting the shot low to the keeper’s right to give Donaghadee the opening goal.

With Donaghadee building their way in to the game, some clever give-and-go passing created more sustained pressure which provided the perfect platform for the forward line to exploit gaps in the circle; Kathy Sinnamon, pushing up from her right defensive position, linked neatly with Kerry Kennedy who burst into the Owls circle, looking to get a shot away. With the ball running slightly beyond Kerry’s reach, Carolyn was on hand to swivel and fire off an unstoppable shot that flew across the keeper and pinged in off the far post: 2-0 to the Dee.

The same two players combined again for Donaghadee’s third: an absolute rocket of a cross from Kerry was instinctively turned goalward by Carolyn. Whether self preservation or pinpoint deflection there was no mistaking the outcome as the ball ricocheted into the back of the net; 3-0 to the Dee and a seemingly comfortable cushion as half-time beckoned.

However, the second half told a different story. The Owls team emerged from the break with a point to prove, throwing numbers forward and forcing Donaghadee into a more defensive shape.

With Rachelle Pearson marshalling the troops from her berth in the centre of defence, both Megan Inglis and Natalie Jamieson were called on to make timely blocks as Donaghadee scrambled to clear. Row Moore too was called on to make a neat interception just as an Owls forward was about to shoot. With the momentum shifting dramatically in favour of the home side, Donaghadee keeper Faith McMillen produced a string of high-quality saves to keep the hosts at bay.

Whether it was diving to redirect goal-bound shots or toe-poking the ball away at full stretch, her composure under fire was the backbone of Donaghadee’s second-half defence, earning her a well-deserved Player of the Match award from her team-mates.

With the Owls pressure finally producing a goal late in the day, it was all hands to the pump for Donaghadee but despite Owls’ late surge, the visitors held firm to see out the win. It was definitely a performance of two halves with Donaghadee thankful for their first half goals, and thwarting a lively Owls side in the second half which, on another day, could easily have scored more.

Thanks to Ulster Hockey for providing the umpires. The 1XI are back at home this Saturday coming, with Rainey the visitors to BGS for the 1pm pass back.

Sponsor Shoutouts
We are delighted that the following players from Saturday’s match are being individually sponsored. If you would like to sponsor your favourite player, please speak to them directly or email us at dlhc@hotmail.co.uk. View all sponsored players here